Summer-Inspired Sips and Sounds with Leslie Kirchhoff

Rip & Tan: You wear many hats as a DJ, photographer, and the founder of Disco Cubes — what was your path toward luxury ice?

Leslie Kirchhoff: It was actually mostly through DJing that I started noticing ice at parties or on cocktail menus around NYC and beyond. To me, the ice cube seemed like the perfect blank canvas. I didn’t see many people getting creative with it at the time, so I decided to start experimenting in my own freezer. 

Rip & Tan: We’re loving this summer spritz you created for us. How did the Destination campaign inspire it?

Leslie Kirchhoff: The Destination campaign has me daydreaming of my next Balearic Island trip—it’s such a special place. The liqueur in this spritz, Basbas, is made in Ibiza using herbs from the land. It’s a traditional drink that many families make their own unique versions of, using herbs from their property. It’s my favorite summer spritz—low ABV, super sippable, and a great way to bring in herbs from my garden.

Rip & Tan: Set the scene—what’s the perfect way to enjoy this cocktail?

Leslie Kirchhoff: With friends, in the sun, with a nice breeze and a perfect playlist as the soundtrack.

Rip & Tan: What’s your approach to balancing a cocktail’s flavors?

Leslie Kirchhoff: I love to bring in fresh and unexpected elements, and always make sure to carefully balance the sweetness, which can take a few rounds of fine-tuning. One of my favorite flavors in a summer cocktail is sugar snap pea. I also love to make a parmesan simple syrup that adds a lot of depth and umami to a drink. Herbs and other garnishes are so important—the scent of a garnish acts as one of the first sensations of the drink, and can really take a simple drink to the next level.

Rip & Tan: Do you have any go-to tips for outdoor hosting in the summertime? 

Leslie Kirchhoff: I try to keep things as simple as possible on my end, both food and drink-wise. I love to make a punch so guests can serve themselves, and serving small bites that don’t need utensils. And definitely make sure you’ve got enough ice on hand—it’s key in the summer heat.